Assignment #4: Scholarly Researching and Reporting
Purpose
Identify an unresolved problem and investigate it. Gather information that will help you formulate clear and reasoned conclusions about the nature of the problem and its causes. You will be arguing for a solution to this problem in your next paper, so choose a specific problem that can be answered with a specific solution, and can be addressed by a specific group or authority ("world hunger", for example, would not be a particularly good choice).
Invention
Keep in mind as you brainstorm/draft:
● Your research for this paper should be guided by a research question to which you do not already know the answer. Your first two essays began with your taking a clear position. Now, this essay begins with inquiry that will eventually lead to an informed, well-researched position on the topic.
● As you choose an audience with some investment in your topic, consider what kinds of sources and support they will find credible.
● Aim to include at least one source that challenges your own preconceptions about your topic.
● This assignment is not a plodding research paper for your instructor. Rather, it is for you: this assignment calls for interesting research findings that will help you understand a problem that you find particularly engaging.
Expectations
A successful research paper will:
Define the problem that calls for your attention;
Establish you as a credible source on this problem;
Identify an audience who is (or should be) invested in this situation or problem;
Demonstrate your purpose (to express or defend a position, to question or argue against a belief or action, to invite or convince an audience to change an opinion or practice);
Marshal emotional appeals, logical reasoning, researched details, and examples to enhance your points;
Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints; and
Supply a clear, identifiable conclusion that you want your audience to reach about the issue.
Length: At least 5 pages (double-spaced) of rigorous analysis backed up by at least 3 respectable outside sources, at least one of which challenges your argument
Assignment #4: Scholarly Researching and Reporting
Purpose
Identify an unresolved problem and investigate it. Gather information that will help you formulate clear and reasoned conclusions about the nature of the problem and its causes. You will be arguing for a solution to this problem in your next paper, so choose a specific problem that can be answered with a specific solution, and can be addressed by a specific group or authority ("world hunger", for example, would not be a particularly good choice).
Invention
Keep in mind as you brainstorm/draft:
● Your research for this paper should be guided by a research question to which you do not already know the answer. Your first two essays began with your taking a clear position. Now, this essay begins with inquiry that will eventually lead to an informed, well-researched position on the topic.
● As you choose an audience with some investment in your topic, consider what kinds of sources and support they will find credible.
● Aim to include at least one source that challenges your own preconceptions about your topic.
● This assignment is not a plodding research paper for your instructor. Rather, it is for you: this assignment calls for interesting research findings that will help you understand a problem that you find particularly engaging.
Expectations
A successful research paper will:
Length: At least 5 pages (double-spaced) of rigorous analysis backed up by at least 3 respectable outside sources, at least one of which challenges your argument
Rough Draft Due: October 28, 2011
Final Assignment Portfolio Due: November 2, 2011